Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Yorkey
Thomas J. Yorkey has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20210038055Abstract: A method may comprise storing a first waypoint corresponding to a first position of a tip of a steerable medical device including an articulatable segment. The controller may perform a motion pause check operation to determine that an insertion motion of the articulatable segment into a patient anatomy has been paused, while the tip is at a second position. The controller may determine that the articulatable segment has resumed the insertion motion into the patient anatomy. After determining that the articulatable segment has resumed the insertion motion, a second waypoint corresponding to the second position of the tip of the steerable medical device, may be stored. A boundary region may be defined to form a three-dimensional volume enclosing the positions of the stored waypoints. The articulatable segment may be constrained to remain within the boundary region as the articulatable segment is inserted in the patient anatomy.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Inventors: Caitlin Q. Donhowe, Amir Belson, Kristoffer J. Donhowe, Kenneth R. Krieg, Eric Storne, Thomas J. Yorkey, Jun Zhang
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Publication number: 20180333039Abstract: Waypoints for a steerable medical device are stored as the steerable medical device is moved within a patient. The stored waypoints are an ordered sequence of locations. The ordered sequence of locations defines a safe path within the patient for moving an articulatable portion of the steerable medical device. The articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to follow the safe path as the articulatable portion moves within the patient. For example, the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to remain within a boundary region enclosing the safe path as the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device follows the safe path.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2018Publication date: November 22, 2018Inventors: Caitlin Q. Donhowe, Amir Belson, Kristoffer J. Donhowe, Kenneth R. Krieg, Eric M. Storne, Thomas J. Yorkey, Jun Zhang
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Patent number: 9913572Abstract: Waypoints for a steerable medical device are stored as the steerable medical device is moved within a patient. The stored waypoints are an ordered sequence of locations. The ordered sequence of locations defines a safe path within the patient for moving an articulatable portion of the steerable medical device. The articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to follow the safe path as the articulatable portion moves within the patient. For example, the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to remain within a boundary region enclosing the safe path as the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device follows the safe path.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Caitlin Q. Donhowe, Amir Belson, Kristoffer J. Donhowe, Kenneth R. Krieg, Eric M. Storne, Thomas J. Yorkey, Jun Zhang
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Publication number: 20170079507Abstract: Waypoints for a steerable medical device are stored as the steerable medical device is moved within a patient. The stored waypoints are an ordered sequence of locations. The ordered sequence of locations defines a safe path within the patient for moving an articulatable portion of the steerable medical device. The articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to follow the safe path as the articulatable portion moves within the patient. For example, the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to remain within a boundary region enclosing the safe path as the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device follows the safe path.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Caitlin Q. Donhowe, Amir Belson, Kristoffer J. Donhowe, Kenneth R. Krieg, Eric M. Storne, Thomas J. Yorkey, Jun Zhang
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Patent number: 9517000Abstract: Waypoints for a steerable medical device are stored as the steerable medical device is moved within a patient. The stored waypoints are an ordered sequence of locations. The ordered sequence of locations defines a safe path within the patient for moving an articulatable portion of the steerable medical device. The articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to follow the safe path as the articulatable portion moves within the patient. For example, the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to remain within a boundary region enclosing the safe path as the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device follows the safe path.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Caitlin Q. Donhowe, Amir Belson, Kristoffer J. Donhowe, Kenneth R. Krieg, Eric M. Storne, Thomas J. Yorkey, Jun Zhang
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Publication number: 20140031625Abstract: Waypoints for a steerable medical device are stored as the steerable medical device is moved within a patient. The stored waypoints are an ordered sequence of locations. The ordered sequence of locations defines a safe path within the patient for moving an articulatable portion of the steerable medical device. The articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to follow the safe path as the articulatable portion moves within the patient. For example, the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to remain within a boundary region enclosing the safe path as the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device follows the safe path.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Caitlin Q. Donhowe, Amir Belson, Kristoffer J. Donhowe, Kenneth R. Krieg, Eric M. Storne, Thomas J. Yorkey, Jun Zhang
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Patent number: 8568302Abstract: Waypoints for a steerable medical device are stored as the steerable medical device is moved within a patient. The stored waypoints are an ordered sequence of locations. The ordered sequence of locations defines a safe path within the patient for moving an articulatable portion of the steerable medical device. The articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to follow the safe path as the articulatable portion moves within the patient. For example, the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to remain within a boundary region enclosing the safe path as the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device follows the safe path.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Caitlin Quance Donhowe, Amir Belson, Kristoffer John Donhowe, Kenneth Robert Krieg, Eric Michael Storne, Thomas J. Yorkey, Jun Zhang
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Publication number: 20130253331Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effects of noise on a system for measuring physiological parameters, such as, for example, a pulse oximeter. The method and apparatus of the invention take into account the physical limitations on various physiological parameters being monitored when weighting and averaging a series of measurements. Varying weights are assigned different measurements, measurements are rejected, and the averaging period is adjusted according to the reliability of the measurements. Similarly, calculated values derived from analyzing the measurements are also assigned varying weights and averaged over adjustable periods. More specifically, a general class of filters such as, for example, Kalman filters, is employed in processing the measurements and calculated values. The filters use mathematical models which describe how the physiological parameters change in time, and how these parameters relate to measurement in a noisy environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Covidien LPInventors: Clark R. Baker, JR., Thomas J. Yorkey
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Publication number: 20120143025Abstract: Sensors and monitors for a physiological monitoring system having capability to indicate an accuracy of an estimated physiological condition. The sensor senses at least one physiological characteristic of a patient and is connectable to a monitor that estimates the physiological condition from signals detected by the sensor. The sensor includes a detector for detecting the signals from the patient which are indicative of the physiological characteristic. The sensor is associated with a memory configured to store data that defines at least one sensor signal specification boundary for the detected signals. The boundary is indicative of a quality of the signals and an accuracy of the physiological characteristic estimated from the signals by the monitor. The sensor further includes means for providing access to the memory to allow transmission of the data that defines the at least one sensor boundary to the monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: TYCO HEALTHCARE GROUP LPInventors: Charles Porges, Clark Baker, Thomas J. Yorkey, Michael Bernstein, Paul Mannheimer
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Patent number: 8133176Abstract: Sensors and monitors for a physiological monitoring system having capability to indicate an accuracy of an estimated physiological condition. The sensor senses at least one physiological characteristic of a patient and is connectable to a monitor that estimates the physiological condition from signals detected by the sensor. The sensor includes a detector for detecting the signals from the patient which are indicative of the physiological characteristic. The sensor is associated with a memory configured to store data that defines at least one sensor signal specification boundary for the detected signals. The boundary is indicative of a quality of the signals and an accuracy of the physiological characteristic estimated from the signals by the monitor. The sensor further includes means for providing access to the memory to allow transmission of the data that defines the at least one sensor boundary to the monitor.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Charles Porges, Clark Baker, Thomas J. Yorkey, Michael Bernstein, Paul Mannheimer
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Patent number: 8103325Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sensor for facilitating detection of a physiological characteristic of a patient. Specifically, one embodiment includes a detector configured to obtain signals from the patient, the signals being indicative of the physiological characteristic and to send the signals to a monitor, and a sensor memory coupled with the sensor and separate from the monitor, the sensor memory storing patient physiological data derived by the monitor from the signals, the patient physiological data being indicative of the physiological characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: David Swedlow, Stephen L. Daleo, Thomas J. Yorkey, Edward M. Richards, Charles Porges, Charles Stuart, Daniel M. Nemits, Russell L. DeLonzor
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Patent number: 7931599Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effects of noise on a system for measuring physiological parameters, such as, for example, a pulse oximeter. The method and apparatus of the invention take into account the physical limitations on various physiological parameters being monitored when weighting and averaging a series of measurements. Varying weights are assigned different measurements, measurements are rejected, and the averaging period is adjusted according to the reliability of the measurements. Similarly, calculated values derived from analyzing the measurements are also assigned varying weights and averaged over adjustable periods. More specifically, a general class of filters such as, for example, Kalman filters, is employed in processing the measurements and calculated values. The filters use mathematical models which describe how the physiological parameters change in time, and how these parameters relate to measurement in a noisy environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLCInventors: Clark R. Baker, Jr., Thomas J. Yorkey
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Publication number: 20110071375Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effects of noise on a system for measuring physiological parameters, such as, for example, a pulse oximeter. The method and apparatus of the invention take into account the physical limitations on various physiological parameters being monitored when weighting and averaging a series of measurements. Varying weights are assigned different measurements, measurements are rejected, and the averaging period is adjusted according to the reliability of the measurements. Similarly, calculated values derived from analyzing the measurements are also assigned varying weights and averaged over adjustable periods. More specifically, a general class of filters such as, for example, Kalman filters, is employed in processing the measurements and calculated values. The filters use mathematical models which describe how the physiological parameters change in time, and how these parameters relate to measurement in a noisy environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: Nellcor Incorporated, a Delaware corporationInventors: Clark R. Baker, JR., Thomas J. Yorkey
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Patent number: 7865224Abstract: In a physiological monitor, a method and an apparatus for determining a patient's pulse rate using data corresponding to a plurality of wavelengths of electromagnetic energy transmitted through the tissue of the patient. The method includes tracking the pulse rate in the data using an adaptive comb filter, the data having signal portions corresponding to the pulse rate and signal portions corresponding to noise, periodically calculating a frequency power spectrum of one of the wavelengths, and using the frequency power spectrum in a pulse rate calculator to determine the pulse rate or to verify the pulse rate calculated by the pulse rate calculator.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLCInventors: Clark R. Baker, Jr., Thomas J. Yorkey
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Publication number: 20100121151Abstract: Waypoints for a steerable medical device are stored as the steerable medical device is moved within a patient. The stored waypoints are an ordered sequence of locations. The ordered sequence of locations defines a safe path within the patient for moving an articulatable portion of the steerable medical device. The articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to follow the safe path as the articulatable portion moves within the patient. For example, the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to remain within a boundary region enclosing the safe path as the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device follows the safe path.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Caitlin Quance Donhowe, Amir Belson, Kristoffer John Donowe, Kenneth Robert Krieg, Eric Michael Storne, Thomas J. Yorkey, Jun Zhang
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Publication number: 20100121148Abstract: Waypoints for a steerable medical device are stored as the steerable medical device is moved within a patient. The stored waypoints are an ordered sequence of locations. The ordered sequence of locations defines a safe path within the patient for moving an articulatable portion of the steerable medical device. The articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to follow the safe path as the articulatable portion moves within the patient. For example, the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device is constrained to remain within a boundary region enclosing the safe path as the articulatable portion of the steerable medical device follows the safe path.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.Inventors: Caitlin Quance Donhowe, Amir Belson, Kristoffer John Donowe, Kenneth Robert Krieg, Eric Michael Storne, Thomas J. Yorkey, Jun Zhang
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Patent number: 7457652Abstract: Sensors and monitors for a physiological monitoring system having capability to indicate an accuracy of an estimated physiological condition. The sensor senses at least one physiological characteristic of a patient and is connectable to a monitor that estimates the physiological condition from signals detected by the sensor. The sensor includes a detector for detecting the signals from the patient which are indicative of the physiological characteristic. The sensor is associated with a memory configured to store data that defines at least one sensor signal specification boundary for the detected signals. The boundary is indicative of a quality of the signals and an accuracy of the physiological characteristic estimated from the signals by the monitor. The sensor further includes means for providing access to the memory to allow transmission of the data that defines the at least one sensor boundary to the monitor.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.Inventors: Charles Porges, Clark Baker, Thomas J. Yorkey, Michael Bernstein, Paul Mannheimer
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Patent number: 7336983Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effects of noise on a system for measuring physiological parameters, such as, for example, a pulse oximeter. The method and apparatus of the invention take into account the physical limitations on various physiological parameters being monitored when weighting and averaging a series of measurements. Varying weights are assigned different measurements, measurements are rejected, and the averaging period is adjusted according to the reliability of the measurements. Similarly, calculated values derived from analyzing the measurements are also assigned varying weights and averaged over adjustable periods. More specifically, a general class of filters such as, for example, Kalman filters, is employed in processing the measurements and calculated values. The filters use mathematical models which describe how the physiological parameters change in time, and how these parameters relate to measurement in a noisy environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLCInventors: Clark R. Baker, Jr., Thomas J. Yorkey
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Patent number: 7315753Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effects of noise on a system for measuring physiological parameters, such as, for example, a pulse oximeter. The method and apparatus of the invention take into account the physical limitations on various physiological parameters being monitored when weighting and averaging a series of measurements. Varying weights are assigned different measurements, measurements are rejected, and the averaging period is adjusted according to the reliability of the measurements. Similarly, calculated values derived from analyzing the measurements are also assigned varying weights and averaged over adjustable periods. More specifically, a general class of filters such as, for example, Kalman filters, is employed in processing the measurements and calculated values. The filters use mathematical models which describe how the physiological parameters change in time, and how these parameters relate to measurement in a noisy environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLCInventors: Clark R. Baker, Jr., Thomas J. Yorkey
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Patent number: 7302284Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effects of noise on a system for measuring physiological parameters, such as, for example, a pulse oximeter. The method and apparatus of the invention take into account the physical limitations on various physiological parameters being monitored when weighting and averaging a series of measurements. Varying weights are assigned different measurements, measurements are rejected, and the averaging period is adjusted according to the reliability of the measurements. Similarly, calculated values derived from analyzing the measurements are also assigned varying weights and averaged over adjustable periods. More specifically, a general class of filters such as, for example, Kalman filters, is employed in processing the measurements and calculated values. The filters use mathematical models which describe how the physiological parameters change in time, and how these parameters relate to measurement in a noisy environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLCInventors: Clark R. Baker, Jr., Thomas J. Yorkey